New Practice Nets, Castle Eden Cricket Recreational and Social Club, County Durham

This is a project to install two practice cricket nets (see drawing attached) with frames and gates for entrance.

This village club allows all year community access not just cricket season, to its outdoor space. Currently there are no nets on the grounds and during colder months, wet weather prevents sport practice on grassed areas. This project provides a free and accessible facility which will be promoted to encourage new members to the club.

The new nets will provide numerous opportunities for community engagement and the facility will be offered to local schools and Youth Development programmes in the local area and beyond. The club hosts events that engage over 150 children from 16 primary schools (see letter of support from Easington School Sport Partnership). Engaging youths can help reduce anti-social behaviour and a communal sport space can divert young people from such behaviours and instil a sense of community pride and involvement. Increased participation in sport and a healthy lifestyle is an aim for the club and with increased participation comes opportunities for job creation as coaches. As the site is in an area nearby to former mining communities, the social aspect of the clubhouse helps sustain the grounds and facility.

Practice nets will benefit the local community and provide a safe space for sports and recreational activities thereby improving the quality of life for many members of the public, regardless of age and gender or physical ability.

The club and its new facility will be made physically accessible to those with disabilities with the incorporation of ramps, accessible restrooms and designated parking spaces.